HARWICH WATER DEPARTMENT
Water Commissioner Meeting Minutes
June 10, 2003
Present: Chairman Donald T. Bates, Jr, Clerk George Cavanaugh,
Superintendent Craig Wiegand, Town Administrator Wayne Melville,
Secretary Carol Connor
The meeting was called to order at 8:21 AM by Chairman Bates.
Bill schedules were signed as presented.
Service Applications signed for:
1. 6 Lake Drive
2. 6 Station Avenue
3. 83 Chase Street
4. 9 Ruth Lane
5. 291 Queen Anne Road
Personnel action longevity forms signed for Bruce Cahoon, Barbara
Sayers, and Carol Connor.
Discussion took place regarding the high water consumption at
Stagg Chevrolet. There is going to be a hearing before the Comm.
Of Massachusetts Appellate Tax Board on at 9:30 AM on Tuesday,
July 29, 2003, in the Airport Conference Room at the Barnstable
Municipal Airport to hear Mr. Stagg's appeal. The total amount
of the water bill in dispute is $9,083.45. The Department has gone
to the property to perform leak detection and found no apparent
leaks. We also removed the water meter and had it tested by an
independent lab. The meter tested to within 98% accurate. (The
state average is 95%). Therefore, the meter is determined to have
no problems. This account has a previous history of water spiking
up to a large amount a few years ago, and no problems were found
at that time either, therefore, it was determined to be usage from
washing vehicles.
Minutes of 05/27/03 - George Cavanaugh made a motion to approve
the minutes as written. Donald Bates seconded. Unanimous vote to
approve.
Environmental Partners - new source approvals for new water supply
at well #10. This project will be ready for site exam and pump
tests in the not too distant future. The contract was signed by
the Commissioners.
Step Change - George Cavanaugh made a motion to move Superintendent
Wiegand from step 5 up to step 6. Donald Bates seconded. Unanimous
vote to approve.
Discussion regarding proposed Enterprise Fund. A dialog with other
Boards and Committees should start right away. The possibility
of changing to a District should also be explored, even though
it will require legislation. The Board would like to meet with
other towns that have an Enterprise Fund or a District to discuss
the pros and cons further so as to gain as much information as
possible. If it is determined to go to a District, Wayne Melville
stated he would have a hand in getting the necessary legislation
passed.
A discussion was also held regarding the rehab of the Route 39
water tank. The preliminary repair figure is $100,000.00 and this
would extend the life of the tank for approximately 3 years. The
money could be requested from the stabilization fund. The repairs
could be added to the present contract with a change order. It
was also discussed whether the rate increase could pay for the
improvements to the tank. Superintendent Wiegand stated this would
be the cleanest way to do it. The design could be added into the
construction phase as well, as this is common in the water industry,
and Bond Counsel would possibly go along with this. Per Mr. Melville
a town meeting could be called for the fall to request the funding
for the tank rehab. Mr. Wiegand said the figures for the change
order could be available as early as today, so an earlier date
of August 11th could be set for town meeting.
Superintendent's Report given by Mr. Wiegand.
A letter of recognition from the Department of Environmental Protection
was read by Superintendent Wiegand. The Harwich Water Department
has placed in the top 10 departments in the State.
Mr. Wiegand also suggested that the 30 year capital improvement
plan have an ad-hoc committee made up of people from other boards
and the general public. Geoff Wiegman should be considered to be
asked to join this committee. As well as a member of the Finance
Committee.
Meeting adjourned at 9:35 AM.
Donald T. Bates,Jr., Chairman
Danette Gonsalves, Vice Chairman
George Cavanaugh, Clerk
Craig Wiegand, Superintendent
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